This is to inform you that, pursuant to the provisions of Article VI,
Section 8 (b) of the Constitution of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters
("IBT"), I am taking a temporary, unpaid, leave of absence, effectively
immediately, from all IBT positions pending the outcome of my appeal of
the November 17, 1997 decision of the Election Officer.

I believe that the Election Officer's decision is demonstrably wrong
and unfair. I totally reject the allegations that I knew of any attempts
to violate the Election Rules in my 1996 campaign. It is a sad day when
the word of a convicted criminal prevails over the word of a man who has
stood for integrity all his life, and has not yet had his day in court.
In spite of this injustice, I believe it in the best interest of the membership
and the reform movvement that I remove myself from IBT decisionmaking while
I fight my appeal. Accordingly, during this leave of absence, I will not
participate in any decisions regarding the IBT.

I have stood for integrity and fought against corruption for my whole
life. I fully intend to clear my name and continue that fight. I look forward
to my day in court, where all the facts can be aired openly and I am afforded
the right to confront my accusers like any other American citizen.

Fraternally yours,

/s/ Ron Carey
General President

RC/ebb

cc: All Members of the General Executive Board
All Division and Department Directors
All IBT Affiliates
IBT General Counsel